Invasive plants pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, taking over natural areas and crowding out native species, yet awareness about and action to solve this problem have been slower in the Midwest than in other regions.  The Midwest Invasive Plant Network was started to bring more attention to the problem and pool resources and knowledge of those working to reduce the threats of invasive plants.  Our goal is to improve prevention, early detection and rapid response, control and management, education, and research on invasive plants in the Midwest .  By engaging a broad network of partners across the region, we are working together to raise awareness, provide information, and lead cooperative efforts.